Berlin: In a game overshadowed by pyrotechnics, bangers and small fires in the stands, Hertha Berlin beat third-division Hansa Rostock 2-0 in the first round of the German Cup on Monday.
Play was suspended twice in the second half due to fireworks set off by both sets of fans. Hertha supporters lit pyrotechnics shortly after the interval and their Hansa counterparts caused the game to stop again with around 15 minutes remaining when they did the same. Fireworks were shot toward rival fans and some landed on the pitch.
Referee Robert Hartmann led his officials and the players off the pitch, as fires broke out among unoccupied seats with riot police lined up alongside. The game restarted after a break of 16 minutes to the sound of more bangers being set off.
There was a large police presence at the game, considered high risk due to a bitter rivalry between Hertha and Hansa fans.
Hertha left it to late to secure the win. Mitchell Weiser unleashed a brilliant strike which flew inside the far post with five minutes remaining and Vedad Ibisevic sealed the victory in injury time.
OTHER GAMES
Nuremberg beat second-division rival MSV Duisburg 2-1, and third-division Paderborn upset St. Pauli 2-1.
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